Labor Day honors and recognizes the American labor movement and the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is a day set aside to pay tribute to working men and women and their contributions to the development and prosperity of the United States
. The holiday originated in the late 19th century as trade unions and labor organizations sought to celebrate the strength and solidarity of workers. The first Labor Day parade was organized by the Central Labor Union in New York City on September 5, 1882, featuring thousands of workers marching to demonstrate labor unity
. The holiday became a federal holiday in 1894, partly as a conciliatory gesture by President Grover Cleveland following labor unrest, including the Pullman Strike
. In essence, Labor Day honors the efforts, struggles, and achievements of workers and labor unions in securing better working conditions, fair wages, and workplace rights. It also serves as a reminder to appreciate workers who continue to serve communities, including those working on holidays like police officers, firefighters, doctors, and nurses
